Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Engineering Solutions for Infrastructure Evaluation
Since 1989, Bridge Diagnostics has been the premier provider of diagnostic testing, structural monitoring, and nondestructive evaluation services globally. Our success stems from the expertise of approximately 70 employees specializing in civil/structural engineering, data analysis, and instrument development. We design and manufacture high-quality data acquisition systems and sensors to quantify structural, geotechnical, and environmental parameters. Our unique integration of data management and instrument development ensures deliverables of unmatched accuracy for infrastructure decision-making. With over 1,000 successful projects, our clients include state/municipal governments, utilities, A/E firms, and private contractors.Founded by engineers, our services are rooted in sound engineering principles and decades of experience. We offer value-added engineering services ranging from data interpretation to finite element analysis. Our capabilities include structural load testing systems, load rating services, and special case inspections. With engineering licenses in 30+ U.S. states and Canadian provinces, we provide services across North America and globally. Our integrated approach validates assumptions through structural measurements to deliver accurate results.
Services
Diagnostic Testing
Structural Monitoring
Nondestructive Evaluation
Engineering Services
Bridge Deck Evaluation
Hydraulic Structures
Construction Monitoring
Geotechnical
Pavement Monitoring
Contract Strain Gage
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 36 years of specialized expertise in infrastructure diagnostics since 1989
- Custom-built instruments developed from extensive field experience
- Skilled engineering and field crews with 70+ technical professionals
- Patented SounDAR technology for bridge deck evaluation
- PE registration in 27 U.S. states and Canadian provinces
Associations and certifications
- ASNT
- FHWA-NHI
- PE Registration
Services
Diagnostic Testing
Our diagnostic testing services involve short-term field tests using installed instrumentation to collect data under controlled live loads. This data verifies analytical predictions or refines finite element models for accurate load ratings. BDI pioneered this approach in the late 1980s for highway bridges and has adapted it for hundreds of infrastructure applications.
Structural Monitoring
We provide long-term structural monitoring systems that automatically record data for days, months, or years. Our systems adapt to site-specific conditions including power availability and communication requirements. Data is periodically transferred via cellular, land-line, or satellite communications for analysis by our engineering team or presentation through our data management platform.
Nondestructive Evaluation
Our NDE services evaluate existing structural elements using technologies like ground penetrating radar, impact echo, and infrared thermography. Our expert technicians employ methods tailored to material types including concrete, steel, and timber. We combine multiple technologies to provide comprehensive assessments of structural integrity without damaging the tested elements.
Engineering Services
Founded by engineers, our engineering services focus on data interpretation from testing and monitoring activities. We offer finite element analysis, load rating services, and special case inspections. Our team holds professional engineering licenses in 30+ states and provinces, ensuring code-compliant evaluations and accurate structural assessments.
Bridge Deck Evaluation
We specialize in multi-technology bridge deck evaluations combining ground penetrating radar, infrared thermography, and SounDAR acoustic testing. This approach identifies concrete degradation, delaminations, and corrosion probabilities. Our methodology provides actionable data for maintenance planning, having evaluated over 20 million square feet of bridge decks nationwide.
People
Darwin Nelson
Chief Executive Officer
Darwin Nelson leads Bridge Diagnostics with strategic vision, overseeing operations and business development. He brings extensive industry experience to drive innovation in infrastructure evaluation technologies and services.
Jamie Thayer
Chief Financial Officer
Jamie Thayer manages financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility while supporting growth initiatives. His expertise in financial management contributes to the company's sustained success in engineering services.
Brett Commander
Vice President | Engineering
Brett Commander leads engineering initiatives, combining technical expertise with operational leadership. He ensures delivery of high-quality engineering solutions that meet client needs and industry standards.
Shane Boone
Senior Vice President | NDE
Shane Boone oversees nondestructive evaluation services, directing technical teams and advancing NDE methodologies. His leadership ensures accurate structural assessments using cutting-edge inspection technologies.
Nathan Dubbs
Associate Vice President | Testing & Monitoring
Nathan Dubbs manages testing and monitoring operations, applying specialized knowledge to complex infrastructure projects. He leads teams in implementing innovative monitoring solutions for structural performance evaluation.
Questions
What infrastructure sectors do you specialize in?
We specialize in bridges, hydraulic structures, construction monitoring, buildings, geotechnical applications, and pavement evaluation. Our expertise covers all aspects of civil infrastructure diagnostics and monitoring.
How does your diagnostic testing work?
Our diagnostic testing installs instrumentation on structures to collect data under controlled loads. This data verifies analytical models and determines accurate load ratings using our proprietary STS4 system.
What NDE technologies do you use?
We employ ground penetrating radar, impact echo, infrared thermography, SounDAR acoustic testing, ultrasonic testing, and electrochemical methods. Our multi-technology approach ensures comprehensive structural assessments.
Do you offer international services?
Yes, with engineering licenses in 30+ U.S. states and Canadian provinces, we provide services globally. Our experience spans projects in multiple countries and diverse infrastructure environments.
How do you ensure data accuracy?
We combine custom-built instruments, skilled engineering teams, and intelligent data analysis. Our integrated approach validates assumptions through field measurements to deliver reliable, actionable results.
What emergency services do you provide?
We offer emergency structural assessments, including stability evaluations after incidents, rapid diagnostics for damaged structures, and urgent monitoring system deployments for critical infrastructure.
